Stock Photo - 23 May 2022, Saxony, Leipzig: In the genetic engineering laboratory at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Leipzig, Christian Sonnendecker places a PET plastic strip (top) in a reaction vessel filled with a liquid mixed with enzymes during a degradation experiment. For the lightweight PET plastic, which is used for food packaging and beverage bottles, among other things, the scientists discovered a highly efficient enzyme on compost heaps that degrades PET plastic in record time. The PHL7 enzyme could make biological PET recycling, which has been problematic to date, possible much faster than previously thought. Research work with enzymes is underway with partners in Spain, England, France and Italy, among others, and is to be tested with industrial partners in two years. Photo: Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa/ZB. - Leipzig/Saxony/Germany